The launch of the ninth Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival in Lanarkshire took place on Wednesday 23rd September at The Alona Hotel, Strathclyde Park.

More than 180 people attended the event that showcased some of the fabulous musical and creative talent taking part in this year’s Festival running from 10th- 31st October, across Lanarkshire.

‘Striking Off the Chains’ is a six-piece rock band led by peer support worker Mark Docherty (52) who works alongside his fellow bandmates at SAMH’s Experience Counts service in North Lanarkshire. They opened the launch performing 3 songs written by the band members.

The audience were also treated to performances by The Happy Thursdays, a newly formed community choir, Stuart Doig a local comedian working with ‘Fool On’, Martin Stepek showcasing his forthcoming readings, talks and film around Mindfulness and comedian Gillian Grant.

Lanarkshire was delighted to launch ‘Walk A Mile in my shoes’ on Wednesday 23rd September at Strathclyde Park.

Chris Young the founder of ‘Walk A Mile in my shoes’ opened the launch giving a personal account of his walk around the UK to tackle mental health stigma, one conversation at a time.

Walk a Mile brings together professionals, carers and people with lived experience, people who may normally stigmatise each other, to walk together, to get to know each other and walk a mile in each other’s shoes. Everyone is on a level playing field, it’s about breaking down stigma and seeing how fabulous people are.

Following the walk the fabulous ‘Soundsational Choir performed for the walkers.

Lanarkshire will be rolling out ‘Walk A Mile in my Shoes’ to other areas including workplaces, hospitals and other community settings.